Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please.
Their dedication to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and they can be trained to assist in security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training, and to develop into confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find foundation stock that would meet his requirements -- both physically and in temperament. Finally, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding, and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention, and these traits continue to make the breed popular in the present. For example, a study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five times and follow the first command given 95% of the time.
These traits make this breed a beloved pet for the family and one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. If properly socialized and trained they make ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are generally shy around strangers, but they generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life might later have difficulty adjusting to new environments and may be anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be extremely cautious around strangers and make excellent guard dogs. They are generally very smart and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up to 30 miles an hour.
There are many German Shepherds around the world because of their wide range of uses and popularity. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize especially if you're familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed if are not certain. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are capable of helping you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
If you're considering adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are very intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods, making them quick learners. Regular and early socialization is essential to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're naturally guardians and are attentive to their families, but they will most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they don't pose a threat.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military work as well as being aid dogs for people with disabilities. They have a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that provides plenty of interaction with other pets is essential.
If properly trained and socialized German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They're generally cautious of strangers and other dogs however, with early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to play with other pets.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size, and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and have an even, straight back that's just slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. deutsche schäferhunde kaufen www.entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are gentle and respectful but not too eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might use destructive methods such as digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder for your dog select a person who is committed to the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and puppies. They will also be able to tell you whether the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for life as a pet for the family.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than the others it should be taken as an indication of danger. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, steady grip when being held.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the base and have pointed tips that may drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be employed to help herd, search and rescue, identify bombs and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. They are great companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also adept in advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and innate instincts may make them suitable for missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. Despite their impressive abilities, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.
German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, an illness in which the stomach twists and fills up with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical care.
Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker colors, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's Disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine may rupture or slip and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to go up steps or jump and a hunched back. discomfort when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
Like all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and again however, too much of it can take away the natural oils which keep their coats healthy and shiny.